Contents

Background

HTTP is the application-layer protocol that most web pages are transferred with. As part of HTTP, requests can include a "Referer" (sic) header that tells the server which page the user was on that initiated the request. Servers use this information to track users' paths through the site and possibly provide additional features. This preference controls when to send the Referer header.

Possible values and their effects

0

Never send the Referer header.

1

Send the Referer header when clicking on a link.

2

Send the Referer header when clicking on a link or loading an image. (Default)

Caveats

Disabling Referer headers may cause some functionality on some sites to no longer work.

Recommended settings

Those concerned with privacy can set this to 0, realizing that this may adversely affect some sites. Those wanting to ensure compatibility should leave it at the default.